Nuclear Talks
- By RFE/RL
Khamenei Says Iran Will Not Bow To US Pressure Over Uranium Enrichment
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected a US proposal on Iran's nuclear program that demands giving up uranium enrichment, saying it is a crucial part of the country's nuclear program.
Iran has been weighing a US proposal drafted by White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, but Khamenei, who has the final say on all matters of state, said Iran considers it to be against national interests.
"One key aspect of national independence is the principle that 'We can do it ourselves,'" Khamenei told a gathering in Tehran on June 4 to mark the 36th anniversary of the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic.
"The American plan goes 100 percent against [that principle]," he added.
Iran and the United States have held five rounds of talks mediated by Oman to curb Tehran's fast expanding nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
In a post on Truth Social on June 3, US President Donald Trump wrote that under a potential agreement with Iran, "we will not allow any enrichment of uranium."
Iranian officials have staunchly rejected that demand, and Khamenei reiterated that position.
"Uranium enrichment is crucial to the nuclear issue; that's why our enemies have focused on it," said the supreme leader.
Trump last month suggested that he may be open to allowing Iran to maintain a nuclear program for energy production, but Khamenei said it offers more than clean energy.
He described Iran's nuclear program as "a key industry" that contributes to other sectors, including medicine.
"[The Americans] want you to be reliant on them for radiopharmaceuticals, energy, desalination equipment, and in tens of other critical sectors," Khamenei said.
In its latest quarterly report released last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had further increased its production of highly enriched uranium.
The report said Iran had amassed 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent as of May 17, up from just under 275 kilograms in the IAEA's most recent report, in February.
In a separate document, the agency also criticized Tehran's "less than satisfactory" cooperation, especially its failure to explain traces of nuclear material detected at undeclared sites.
The reports come ahead of a scheduled IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna later this month, where Iran's nuclear activities will be reviewed. Tehran has accused the Western nations of politicizing the UN nuclear watchdog to pressure the Islamic republic.
Iran's enrichment of uranium to 60 percent purity is well above the 3.67 percent cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal, though still below the 90 percent level needed for a nuclear weapon.
- By Kian Sharifi
US-Iran Nuclear Talks Stall, Raising Risk Of Escalation And Sanctions
As the fifth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States wrapped up in Rome earlier this month, the public saw little sign of breakthrough.
But there have been reports about proposals to break the deadlock as Washington is insisting Iran give up uranium enrichment and Tehran rejecting the demand altogether.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who leads Tehran's negotiating team in the talks, told state media that Iran is reviewing proposals by Omani mediators but did not disclose any details.
Oman's Pitches
Araqchi briefed the parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee on May 25, shortly after the latest round of talks concluded in Rome.
Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a lawmaker and member of the committee, told Iranian media after the briefing that the Omanis had tabled two proposals.
One suggestion is that Iran suspend its uranium enrichment activities for six months and resume them later. Ardestani said Iran "has not accepted" the proposals.
He said Iran worries that by giving in to the demand, it will encourage the United States to ask for more concessions.
Another proposal is the formation of a regional nuclear consortium that would enhance oversight of Iran's nuclear activities and reassure the West that Iran remains within agreed enrichment levels.
The proposal was initially reported by Iranian media to have come from Tehran, but Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei denied this.
"This wasn't Iran's proposal," he told reporters, though he added Tehran would "welcome" the idea, "so long as it does not replace Iran's right to enrich uranium on its own soil."
The consortium could potentially include US involvement, and Iran's nuclear energy chief Mohammad Eslami on May 28 suggested Tehran would be open to accrediting Americans inspectors working under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"If there is an agreement, there is a possibility that American inspectors will be allowed access to Iranian nuclear facilities," he said.
Critics argue Tehran is using the offer to pressure Washington into softening its stance on enrichment.
"For the moment, the jury is still out. We don't know whether there's going to be an agreement or not," IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told journalists attending a weeklong seminar at the agency in Vienna on May 28.
Flexibility On Enrichment?
The debate over uranium enrichment has become a matter of national pride and identity for Iran. Araqchi has argued the Islamic republic has paid too high a price -- namely losing several nuclear scientists to assassinations -- to simply abandon its enrichment program.
The administration of US President Donald Trump maintains that Iran must cease all enrichment activities, a position US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff recently defended as essential "because enrichment enables weaponization."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that stance during a recent Senate hearing, declaring that "any level of domestic enrichment is unacceptable and poses a direct threat."
Iran, however, remains defiant.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed Washington's demands as "outrageous" and "nonsense," while Araqchi has vowed that Iran will continue enriching uranium "with or without a deal."
Alan Eyre, a distinguished diplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute and former Persian-language spokesman for the US State Department, says the Trump administration has a pattern of starting with a hard-line stance but eventually settling for compromise and "declaring victory."
"It's possible that the United States will reconsider its red lines," he told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.
Since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term and reimposed sanctions, the Islamic republic has significantly expanded its nuclear program.
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and denies pursuing a bomb.
However, it is now enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, which is well above the 3.67 percent cap set by the 2015 accord and close to weapons-grade levels.
Despite a languishing economy and weak currency, Iran's President Masud Pezeshkian asserted on May 26 that the country will do fine even without an agreement.
"It's not as if we'll die of hunger if they refuse to negotiate with us and impose sanctions. We will find a way," he said.
But Iran could be facing more sanctions and even military action in the absence of a deal. European powers have threatened to reimpose UN sanctions against Tehran if it fails to reach an agreement with Washington by the end of June, while US intelligence suggest Israel is preparing to hit Iranian nuclear sites.
Axios reports that Trump has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking any action that would undermine diplomacy with Iran, though the US president himself has not taken military action off the table if talks collapse.
With no date set for the next round of talks, the path forward remains uncertain -- and the longer the stalemate drags on, the greater the risk that diplomacy gives way to escalation.
With reporting by Hannah Kaviani of RFE/RL’s Radio Farda
- By Kian Sharifi
Iran, US Dig In As Nuclear Talks Resume In Rome
Welcome back to the Farda Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that tracks the key issues in Iran and explains why they matter.
I'm RFE/RL correspondent Kian Sharifi. In this edition, I'm looking at how Tehran and Washington are digging in on the core nuclear issue: enrichment. The United States insists Iran can’t enrich uranium; Iran maintains it won’t give it up. With both sides refusing to budge, the standoff is heating up.
What You Need To Know
• Nuclear Talks Head To Rome: After weeks of escalating rhetoric, Iran and the United States have agreed to resume nuclear talks in Rome, but both sides remain entrenched on core issues -- especially uranium enrichment. The US demands a total halt to enrichment, while Iran insists it will continue “with or without a deal.” The talks come amid reports that Israel is preparing for possible military action if diplomacy fails.
• Iran Hangs Azerbaijan Embassy Attacker: Iran executed Yasin Hosseinzadeh on May 21 for the deadly armed attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran in January 2023, which killed the embassy’s head of security and wounded two others. Iranian authorities said Hosseinzadeh acted out of personal motives, while Azerbaijan called the incident a “terrorist act.” The execution comes amid efforts to improve Iran-Azerbaijan relations, with both countries recently emphasizing the importance of cooperation and diplomatic security
• UK-Iran Tensions Soar Over Alleged Spy Plot: Tensions between the United Kingdom and Iran escalated after British authorities charged three London-based Iranian men with assisting Iran’s intelligence service and targeting journalists linked to Iran International, a broadcaster critical of Tehran. The men, arrested earlier this month, allegedly conducted surveillance from August 2024 to February 2025. Both countries summoned each other's diplomats in protest this week. The UK cited national security concerns, while Iran called the arrests politically motivated.
The Big Issue
All Roads Lead To Rome
Following nearly two weeks of heightened tensions and diplomatic brinkmanship, Iran and the United States will resume nuclear negotiations in Rome on May 23.
Despite agreeing to meet, both sides are holding firm on their demands. The United States, under President Donald Trump, insists Iran must halt all uranium enrichment, calling it essential to prevent weaponization.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed these demands as “outrageous,” and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has vowed that enrichment will continue regardless of the outcome of the talks.
The stakes are heightened by reports that Israel is actively preparing for a possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities if diplomacy fails.
Meanwhile, European powers are threatening to reimpose UN sanctions unless a deal is reached soon, adding further pressure on Tehran.
Domestic politics in both Washington and Tehran complicate compromise, with hard-liners on both sides urging their leaders not to back down.
Why It Matters: The outcome of the Rome talks could reshape the security landscape of the Middle East.
A diplomatic breakthrough might avert a military confrontation and restore limits on Iran’s nuclear program, while failure could trigger Israeli military action and the return of crippling UN sanctions.
The stakes are not only regional -- global oil markets and nonproliferation norms all hang in the balance.
What's Being Said: Khamenei has voiced deep skepticism about the prospects for progress, telling Iranians, “I do not think nuclear talks with America will bring results. I do not know what will happen.”
Before leaving Tehran for Rome on May 23, Araqchi wrote on X that “figuring out the path to a deal is not rocket science,” adding that an agreement is possible if the goal is to ensure Iran won’t acquire nuclear weapons -- but impossible if the aim is to dismantle enrichment capabilities.
On the American side, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff underscored Washington’s hard line, stating: “Enrichment enables weaponization.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced this position before the US Senate, declaring, “Any level of domestic enrichment is unacceptable and poses a direct threat,” signaling that the Washington is unlikely to soften its stance.
Expert Opinion: Robert Einhorn, a former special adviser to the US State Department on nonproliferation, told RFE/RL’s Radio Farda that congressional Republicans “have been inclined to support the policies of Trump.”
He added that “any respectable deal negotiated” by the US president would also likely have Democratic support -- especially if it’s seen as tough and enforceable.
That's all from me for now.
Until next time,
Kian Sharifi
If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here . It will be sent to your inbox every Friday.
- By RFE/RL
Both Sides Report Some Progress In Fifth Round Of Talks On Iran's Nuclear Program
A fifth round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran has concluded in Rome with signs of limited progress in the negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.
The negotiations, which were mediated by Oman at the residence of the country's ambassador to Italy, ended after about two hours.
Both Washington and Tehran took tough positions heading into the talks on Iran's uranium enrichment, but Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there was potential for progress after Oman made several proposals.
"We have just completed one of the most professional rounds of talks.... We firmly stated Iran's position.... The fact that we are now on a reasonable path, in my view, is itself a sign of progress," Araqchi told state television.
"The proposals and solutions will be reviewed in respective capitals...and the next round of talks will be scheduled accordingly," he added.
Ahead of the talks, Araqchi said on X that figuring out the path to a deal is not "rocket science," adding: "Zero nuclear weapons = we Do have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal. Time to decide."
Omani Foreign Minister Mohammed Albusaidi said the round of talks ended with "some progress but no definitive outcome."
He expressed hope that "in the coming days we will clarify the remaining issues, allowing us to move toward the common goal of reaching a lasting and honorable agreement" but provided no details.
An unidentified senior US official said the talks lasted more than two hours and were both direct and indirect with Omani mediators.
"The talks continue to be constructive -- we made further progress, but there is still work to be done. Both sides agreed to meet again in the near future. We are grateful to our Omani partners for their continued facilitation," the official said, according to Reuters.
The main obstacle is Iran’s uranium enrichment capability -- something that the United States insists must be abandoned in any deal to ensure Iran will not weaponize its nuclear program.
But retaining the ability to enrich uranium has become a matter of principle for Iran. Araqchi has said enrichment will continue “with or without a deal.”
The Trump administration maintains that Iran must completely stop its enrichment activities -- a stance that US special envoy Steve Witkoff recently described as essential “because enrichment enables weaponization.”
Echoing this position, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a Senate committee on May 21 that “any level of domestic enrichment is unacceptable and poses a direct threat.”
Witkoff, who has been representing the United States in the talks, has shifted his position since the Oman-mediated negotiations started in April. At one point, he suggested that Washington would agree to Iran enriching uranium to 3.67 percent purity -- as set under the 2015 nuclear accord that Trump abrogated in his first time in office.
One idea put forward to salvage the talks and reach an agreement is the establishment of a regional nuclear consortium that would include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with the potential for American involvement.
Araqchi this week said Iran was not opposed to the idea but insisted no initiative would result in Iran giving up the ability to enrich uranium on its soil.
A new report this week by the US Defense Intelligence Agency said Iran “almost certainly is not producing nuclear weapons” but has “undertaken activities in recent years that better position it to produce them, if it chooses to do so.”
Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, which is close to weapons-grade levels, and has said that while it is willing to scale it back, it needs uranium enriched at 20 percent for its Tehran reactor.
Meanwhile, European powers have threatened to trigger the 2015 deal’s “snapback” of UN sanctions against Iran if it fails to reach a deal with the United States by the end of June. The power to use the mechanism expires in October, so Iran, which has warned of consequences if the sanctions return, is in a race against time.
Separately, Israel is reportedly preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites in the absence of a deal, prompting Araqchi to warn of “special measures” Iran would take if attacked.
- By Kian Sharifi and
- Hannah Kaviani
As Iran And The US Stand Firm On Nuclear Red Lines, Who Will Step Back First?
After nearly two weeks of escalating rhetoric that nearly led to the collapse of diplomacy, Iran and the United States have agreed to resume nuclear talks -- this time in Rome.
Yet, as negotiators prepare to meet, both sides are digging in on their core demands, raising the stakes for what could be a decisive round of diplomacy.
The main stumbling block remains uranium enrichment.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, insists that Iran must halt all enrichment activities -- a demand US special envoy Steve Witkoff recently said was crucial “because enrichment enables weaponization.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the point on May 21 when he told a Senate committee hearing that “any level of domestic enrichment is unacceptable and poses a direct threat.”
Iran, meanwhile, shows no sign of backing down.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed US demands as “outrageous” and “nonsense,” and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has insisted that Iran will enrich uranium “with or without a deal.”
“We have never abandoned diplomacy. We are still assessing whether, on that date and at that location, useful and productive negotiations can be held or not,” Araqchi said on May 21, hours before Oman announced the next round of talks would be held in Rome on May 23.
Domestic Pressure Driving Demand
Despite this breakthrough, expectations remain low. Both parties have made clear that their fundamental positions have not shifted, and the atmosphere is charged with suspicion.
“I do not think nuclear talks with America will bring results. I do not know what will happen,” Khamenei said earlier this week.
Ali Vaez, the director of the Iran program at the International Crisis Group, says the US demand for zero enrichment stems from the “prevailing perception” in Washington that the Islamic republic is at its weakest.
“So, the belief is that compromising on enrichment is a mistake and the United States has to at least try to get what it has always wanted,” Vaez told RFE/RL’s Radio Farda.
Domestic politics in both Washington and Tehran further complicate compromise.
In the United States, the Trump administration is under pressure from congressional hardliners to demand a total ban on enrichment -- over 200 Republican lawmakers recently sent a letter urging no concessions on this front.
Iran, meanwhile, faces internal pressure to defend what many see as a symbol of national pride.
“There are serious domestic constraints that inhibit the possibility of compromise on this fundamental issue,” Robert Einhorn, a former special adviser to the US State Department on nonproliferation, told Radio Farda.
“All Iranians across the political spectrum take great pride in the enrichment program,” he argued, adding that both Trump and Iran’s leadership were under pressure.
Vaez said it was not yet clear whether the Trump administration’s demand that Iran abandon enrichment was its bottom line or ideal outcome, but he speculated that it would be made clear in the next two or three weeks.
The Israeli Factor And Threat Of War
Reports earlier this year claimed that Trump pulled Israel back from launching strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities in favor of diplomacy with Tehran. But the US president has warned that if negotiations collapse, the military option is very much on the table.
CNN reported earlier this week that new US intelligence suggests Israel is actively preparing for a possible strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities if talks fail.
US officials cite intercepted Israeli communications and military maneuvers as evidence that Israel is weighing its options. This looming threat adds urgency -- and peril -- to the Rome talks, as any military action could ignite a broader regional conflict.
Menashe Amir, a Middle East expert based in Israel, said the assessment in Israel is that negotiations will fail and Iran is too weak now to respond to any attack due to Israel having weakened Tehran’s regional network of armed groups and disrupted its missile production capabilities.
“The view among Israeli analysts is that the best time to strike Iran is between now and the next few weeks,” Amir told Radio Farda.
He said it was not easy to say with certainty whether Israel would attack Iran without US permission, but insisted that the country “has both the capability and courage” to do so, especially since the Israeli Army “trains for this” regularly.
Iran’s two primary nuclear facilities are the underground enrichment plant at Natanz and the Fordow site, which is buried deep within a mountain. Some experts question whether even US weapons could reliably penetrate and fully disable these fortified sites.
But Amir appeared confident that the sites’ physical location would not be an obstacle for Israel. He said “there are methods” to destroy underground nuclear facilities but declined to elaborate, citing security restrictions.
Critics of military action say that, while it can destroy physical infrastructure, it will not be able to wipe out knowledge.
Araqchi has said Iran will “take special measures in defense of our nuclear facilities and materials” if international bodies fail to “take effective preventive measures” against Israeli threats.
Europe's Patience Wears Thin
Complicating matters is Iran’s strained relationship with Britain, France, and Germany. Collectively known as the E3, the European powers have threatened to reimpose UN Security Council sanctions against Tehran if it fails to reach a deal with Washington.
Iran has warned the E3 against the move, with Araqchi calling it a “big mistake” that would have “consequences,” including potentially leaving the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The “snapback” of UN sanctions is a provision under the 2015 nuclear deal which expires in October. The E3 has reportedly given Iran until the end of June to reach an agreement with the United States.
The Islamic republic has significantly expanded its nuclear program since Trump withdrew from the 2015 accord during his first term in office and reimposed sanctions against Tehran.
Iran insists that its nuclear program is peaceful and that it has no intention to develop a bomb.
But it is now enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, which is close to weapons-grade levels and far above the 3.67 percent limit under the 2015 deal.
While past US administrations struggled to rally domestic support for a nuclear deal with Iran, observers say Trump -- despite his polarizing style -- might face less resistance if he negotiates an agreement that includes strict conditions and monitoring.
Einhorn said congressional Republicans “have been inclined to support the policies of Trump,” adding that “any respectable deal negotiated” by the US president would also likely have Democratic support -- especially if it’s seen as tough and enforceable.
- By RFE/RL's Radio Farda and
- Kian Sharifi
As US Pushes For Zero Enrichment, Iran Insists It Won't Give Up Nuclear Program
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff declared that the Donald Trump administration's "red line" in the nuclear talks with Iran is Tehran's ability to enrich uranium at any level, prompting Iran to say it will continue enrichment "with or without a deal."
"We cannot allow even 1 percent of an enrichment capability," Witkoff told ABC on May 18, insisting any enrichment, even for civilian purposes, could enable weaponization.
"Everything begins…with a deal that does not include enrichment…because enrichment enables weaponization. And we will not allow a bomb to get here," he said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi quickly rejected Witkoff's demand, calling it unrealistic and disconnected from the realities of the negotiations.
"Enrichment in Iran will continue with or without a deal," Araghchi posted on X, emphasizing that Iran's right to enrichment is non-negotiable as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
He added, "If the [United States] is interested in ensuring that Iran will not have nuclear weapons, a deal is within reach, and we are ready for a serious conversation to achieve a solution that will forever ensure that outcome."
Araqchi criticized what he described as inconsistent US messaging in public and attributed comments about zero enrichment to the Trump's administration attempt to pacify "special interest groups," which he described as "malign actors."
Amid the standoff, Kamal Kharrazi, senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reinforced Iran's position on enrichment during an annual gathering in the Iranian capital on May 18.
He described Iran's nuclear knowledge as "irreversible," adding that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons but regional nuclear disarmament should be a shared goal.
Kharrazi has previously warned that while Iran may not be looking to acquire nuclear weapons, it can make a bomb and "may reconsider its nuclear doctrine if faced with an existential threat."
Witkoff and Araqchi have meet directly and indirectly in four rounds of nuclear talks mediated by Oman, but no date has been set for a fifth round. Some reports say the next meeting may be held over the coming weekend.
Trump last week said Washington was "getting closer" to a deal with Tehran and urged the Islamic republic to "move quickly" on a US proposal over its nuclear program. Araqchi, however, insisted that Iran had not received a "written" proposal.
"They have a proposal. More importantly, they know they have to move quickly or something bad -- something bad is going to happen," Trump said.
Hossein Aghaie, a security analyst based in Turkey, said Trump's warning serves as an "unwritten ultimatum" but added that the US president appears "very optimistic" about being able to get a deal with Tehran solely through diplomacy that meets US demands, such as abandoning enrichment and scaling back regional activities.
"Trump is insisting on diplomacy and is very optimistic that diplomacy will bear results desired by the United States," he told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.
"Unless the United States relents on its maximalist demands, it cannot get what it wants simply through diplomacy alone," he said.
Trump has threatened military action against Iranian nuclear facilities if the two countries fail to reach a deal. Tehran, however, has warned that it will retaliate if struck.
Roya Karimi Majd of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report.
- By RFE/RL
Iran Meets European Powers As Trump Presses Tehran On Nuclear Proposal
Iran and European powers held talks in Istanbul about Tehran's nuclear negotiations with Washington as US President Donald Trump warned "something bad" will happen if the Islamic republic does not quickly decide on a US proposal for a deal.
The meeting came amid threats by Britain, France, and Germany (E3) over the re-imposition of UN sanctions against Iran if Tehran does not reach an agreement with Washington over its nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned the move would have "irreversible" consequences that would risk "provoking a global nuclear proliferation crisis" affecting Europeans first.
European and Iranian diplomats discussed "the latest state of play" on the nuclear talks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi wrote on X, without elaborating.
He said Iran and the European powers "are determined to sustain and make best use of diplomacy" and said further meetings will be held "if necessary."
The E3, who are signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump withdrew from during his first term in office in 2018, have been sidelined since Tehran and Washington restarted nuclear talks last month with Oman's mediation.
A fourth round of talks was held in Muscat on May 10 and while both sides have said another there will be another round of negotiations, no date has been set.
Meanwhile, Trump on May 16 said Washington had tabled a proposal that Tehran needed to make a decision on quickly.
"They have a proposal. More importantly, they know they have to move quickly or something bad -- something bad is going to happen," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One after departing the United Arab Emirates.
Tehran, however, insists it has not received any proposals.
Trump has threatened military action against Iranian nuclear facilities if the two countries fail to reach a deal.
During his four-day tour of the Middle East this week, Trump said the United States was "getting close" to a deal with Iran.
Ali Shamkhani, a senior aide to Khamenei, told NBC News earlier this week that Iran would commit to never making a nuclear weapon, shipping out highly enriched uranium, and agreeing to enrich uranium to levels needed for civilian use if Trump agreed to immediately remove sanctions against Tehran.
Trump himself reposted a link the NBC interview with Shamkhani on his Truth Social platform, leading to speculation online that the US president is at least not opposed to the Iranian official's suggestions.
However, critics say Shamkhani's proposal mirrors the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- the formal name of the 2015 nuclear deal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 15 said Iran was "at the threshold" of developing a nuclear weapon and insisted that Washington was facing a critical moment with Tehran. Iran, which is enriching uranium at near weapons-grade level of 60 percent, says its nuclear program is peaceful and is willing to offer assurances to the United States to allay concerns.
With reporting by Reuters
- By Kian Sharifi
Iran Pitches Enrichment Consortium To Save Nuclear Program
Iran has put forward a proposal to the United States and its Gulf Arab neighbors in an attempt to accelerate negotiations and ease concerns about its nuclear program.
The plan, presented by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi during a fourth round of talks with the United States in Oman on May 11, envisions the creation of a regional nuclear consortium that would include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with the potential for American involvement.
With both Iranian and US officials silent, details about the consortium remain scarce.
What Do We Know About The Proposal?
The Iranian daily newspaper Khorasan, which was the first to report the story, said the proposed consortium is intended to reassure both Western and regional actors about Iran's commitment to nuclear transparency and safety while allowing the country to maintain control over its nuclear advancements through international cooperation.
Media quoting Iranian officials and sources familiar with the initiative say the consortium would allow Iran to continue enriching uranium but only to low levels suitable for civilian energy purposes -- well below the threshold required for nuclear weapons.
The enriched uranium would then be distributed to participating Arab countries for peaceful use. Crucially, the arrangement would involve the permanent on-site presence of representatives from the partner nations, and potentially the United States, to ensure transparency and compliance.
The proposal marks a significant departure from Washington's demand that Iran give up all uranium-enrichment capabilities and dismantle key nuclear facilities. US officials have so far not commented publicly on the offer, and it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump's administration will be open to any deal that allows enrichment on Iranian soil.
Mehran Mostafavi, a France-based academic and nuclear expert, said the initiative has potential but would be difficult to implement.
Speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Farda, he said the consortium could "significantly reduce the risk" of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East -- provided that major regional powers are involved.
"But the main issue is whether the Islamic republic can be trusted," Mostafavi said. "For trust to exist, the regime must be rooted in the will of the people -- but such a thing does not exist in Iran."
He added that, while establishing the consortium is "not impossible," the lack of trust in Iran's political system "undermines" its feasibility.
An Old Idea At A Critical Time
The consortium idea is not entirely new. In fact, Iran once proposed the creation of an international consortium back in 2008 to ease tensions and break a deadlock over its nuclear program. The initiative received little interest from Western nations, particularly because they opposed any enrichment taking place on Iranian soil.
With European powers threatening to trigger the 2015 nuclear deal's "snapback" of UN sanctions against Iran if there is no deal by the end of the June, the window is closing for Tehran to settle the issue with Washington.
Trump echoed this sentiment during his visit to Saudi Arabia this week, reiterating his desire for a diplomatic solution but warning that time is running out for Iran to make concessions before facing increased economic pressure.
Iran has been trying to strengthen its relations with both the Saudis and the Emiratis over the past two years. The Saudis, who are pursuing their own civil nuclear program with Washington's cooperation, have backed US talks with Iran.
Araqchi traveled to Riyadh and Abu Dhabi just ahead of Trump's regional tour, likely to discuss the initiative with the Arab states to get Trump on board.
Some analysts see the proposed consortium as a potential confidence-building measure that could open the door to broader regional security talks, but whether Washington sees it that way remains unclear.
With reporting by Hooman Askary of RFE/RL's Radio Farda
- By Kian Sharifi
Trump Eyes Saudi Civil Nuclear Deal, Sidestepping Israeli Concerns
In a policy shift that has unsettled officials in Israel, the United States under President Donald Trump is no longer conditioning Saudi Arabia's civil nuclear ambitions on normalization with Israel.
The move, first reported ahead of Trump's May 13 visit to Riyadh, marks a sharp departure from the Biden administration's approach, which had linked nuclear cooperation and security guarantees to a broader regional deal involving Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
Under Biden, Saudi nuclear talks were tied to progress on normalization with Israel, with Washington hoping Riyadh's leverage could help extract concessions from Israel toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.
But with normalization effectively frozen -- due largely to the war in Gaza and Saudi Arabia's insistence on Palestinian statehood -- the Trump administration has opted for a more transactional approach.
This decoupling is seen by some as a reflection of Trump's priorities.
Gregory Brew, a senior analyst with the New York-based Eurasia Group, said the policy shift "isn't too surprising" given Washington and Riyadh's mutual interest in forging closer ties.
He told RFE/RL that, for now, Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman is content with "getting massive arms sales and a verbal commitment to assisting Saudi Arabia should it come under attack," even as normalization remains off the table until "the situation in Gaza is resolved and progress is made toward a Palestinian state."
For Trump, economic deliverables appear paramount -- and the Saudis seem to understand that.
Michael Horowitz, an independent analyst based in Israel, suggested that Riyadh may have tailored its offer to Trump's interests.
"I think they grasp what motivates Trump and played their cards well," Horowitz told RFE/RL. "Trump wants his first regional tour to be a success, which entails securing major announcements, including Saudi investments in the United States."
A Deal at Any Cost?
Trump is keen on securing major Saudi investments and ensuring the United States is involved in the kingdom's nuclear program, regardless of the implications for Israel or the Middle East.
"[Trump] will view this as a victory on two fronts -- without looking at the possible consequences regionally or for Israel -- particularly if he feels Israel is being ‘difficult' on other topics, including Gaza and Iran," Horowitz said.
While some disagree , tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been mounting, with the US president reportedly frustrated over Netanyahu's reluctance to align with Washington on key regional initiatives. For Israel, normalization with Saudi Arabia has been a strategic goal and a critical component of any future US-Saudi deal.
Now, that deal appears to be moving forward without Israeli input, presenting a "major setback" for Israel, according to Horowitz.
"What the Saudis are trying to secure is US approval for a program that does not follow [the] gold standard and would allow them to enrich uranium domestically. This is another layer of concern for Israel," he added.
Israeli leaders have also voiced doubts that a Saudi nuclear deal can pass the US Senate without Israeli involvement. But the Trump administration appears determined to press ahead.
The Iran Angle
Analysts warn the implications could reverberate across the region -- particularly in Iran, where nuclear talks with the United States remain fragile .
Washington says Tehran should abandon enrichment and instead import uranium, assuming it is even allowed to maintain a civil nuclear program. Iran, however, maintains that its enrichment capabilities are "nonnegotiable."
If the United States agrees to let Saudi Arabia enrich uranium, "it will have an even harder time arguing that Iran shouldn't do so itself," Horowitz said.
"This would be another clear signal that the United States isn't looking to ‘fully dismantle' the Iranian program as Israel demands, but to simply put limits," he added.
For the Saudis, the ability to enrich uranium is about more than energy -- it carries strategic weight. It keeps the option of weaponization on the table, serving as a form of deterrence.
"It presents a credible threat that any Iranian weaponization would likely trigger a similar response by Saudi Arabia," Brew said. "That's not something the Iranians would welcome."
Iran, US End 'Difficult But Useful' Round Of Nuclear Talks In Oman
The fourth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States has ended in Muscat, with Tehran suggesting a new round will be scheduled by Omani mediators.
Iranian Foreign Minister spokesman Esmail Baqaei wrote on X that the talks on May 11 were "difficult but useful" to help "better understand each other's positions and to find reasonable and realistic ways" to resolve differences.
"Next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman," he wrote.
There were no immediate comments from the White House or the State Department on the talks, but US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had suggested earlier that the outcome of the Oman talks could decide whether diplomacy continues or collapses.
Deep divisions have emerged over red lines in the past several weeks that threaten to derail the negotiations.
Witkoff, who is Washington's chief negotiator, stated in an interview ahead of the talks that Washington's position is "no enrichment," meaning Iran must dismantle its nuclear program, including key facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
"If Sunday’s discussions do not yield positive results, we will have to explore alternative approaches," Witkoff warned, strongly implying that a lack of progress in Oman could end the current negotiation track.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who serves as Tehran’s top negotiator, has said enrichment is "nonnegotiable" and rejected the possibility of dismantling the nuclear program.
Speaking ahead of the talks in Oman, Araqchi said a deal can be reached with the United States if Washington’s goal is to ensure that Tehran does not acquire nuclear weapons.
“But if the goal of the negotiations is to deprive Iran of its nuclear rights, I state clearly that Iran will not back down from any of its rights,” he added.
Speaking ahead of the talks in Oman, Araqchi said a deal can be reached with the United States if Washington’s goal is to ensure that Tehran does not acquire nuclear weapons.
“But if the goal of the negotiations is to deprive Iran of its nuclear rights, I state clearly that Iran will not back down from any of its rights,” he added.
US President Donald Trump has warned of the possibility of military action if diplomatic efforts collapse, with Israel likely taking part in strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Iran has vowed to respond to any attack and has been showcasing its military capabilities in recent weeks, including the unveiling of a new missile and underground drone base.
Meanwhile, the United States in March deployed at least six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia, a joint US-British military base on a remote island in the Indian Ocean. Last month, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier was dispatched to join the USS Harry S. Truman, which is already stationed in the region.
- By RFE/RL
Trump Seeks Iran Nuclear Dismantling, Hints At Flexibility
US President Donald Trump says the goal of negotiations with Iran is to ensure the "total dismantlement" of Tehran's nuclear program but would consider allowing Iran to maintain a civilian nuclear energy program.
In an interview with NBC on May 4, Trump said tearing down Iran's nuclear program would be "all I'd accept."
The comment marks the first time Trump has explicitly said what he hopes to do with Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran maintains is peaceful.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested last week that Washington would be open to letting Iran operate a peaceful civil nuclear program, saying, "There's a way to do it."
"You build the reactors and you import enriched uranium to fuel those reactors. That's how dozens of countries around the world do it," he told Fox News on May 1.
Trump appeared to echo Rubio's remarks, telling NBC that he would be "open to hearing it."
"Civilian energy, it's called. But you know, civilian energy often leads to military wars. And we don't want to have them have a nuclear weapon. It's a very simple deal," he added.
Trump said a civilian nuclear program would be used to generate electricity, but given Iran is an energy-rich country it would not really need it.
"My inclination is to say, 'What do you need that for? You have a lot of oil,'" he said.
Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, said Trump's comments had made it clear the administration was not looking for a revamped version of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
"This interview calls that fantasy into question," he wrote on X.
Meanwhile, others insist Trump's comment suggests he is still undecided.
"Maybe one could argue that Trump's team still does not exactly know what it wants from Iran, but he himself desires a deal different from the JCPOA," wrote Iran-based foreign policy analyst Rahman Qahremanpour, referring to the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iran has rejected calls to dismantle its nuclear program and give up its ability to enrich uranium.
Responding to Trump's comment, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on May 5 said Iran has "a right to peaceful nuclear energy" and dismissed Trump's oil remark.
"Iran's peaceful nuclear program goes back to the 1970s, when Iran had more fossil fuel and less consumption," Esmail Baqaei said during a weekly press conference.
"Therefore, some fallacious comments about Iran having access to expansive fossil fuel reserves and not needing nuclear energy have no basis in science or reality."
Iran and the United States have held three rounds of nuclear discussions since last month. Mediated by Oman, a fourth round was slated for May 2 in Rome but was postponed due to what Muscat called "logistical reasons."
- By RFE/RL
Iran Accuses Israel's Netanyahu Of Trying To Derail Nuclear Talks
Iran's top diplomat has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to dictate US policy toward Iran after the premier renewed his call for the full dismantlement of Tehran's nuclear program.
Iranian and US negotiators concluded a third round of indirect talks over Iran's nuclear program on April 26, with a fourth round scheduled for May 3, likely in a European country.
Speaking in Jerusalem a day after the talks, Netanyahu said any deal with Iran must aim for the complete dismantling of the nuclear program and also address Tehran's missile capabilities.
"The real deal that works is the deal which removes Iran's capacity to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said, adding that a good agreement should also "bring in the prevention of ballistic missiles."
Writing on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said it was "striking…how brazenly Netanyahu is now dictating what President Trump can and cannot do in his diplomacy with Iran."
The Iranian diplomat maintained that his country was "strong and confident enough" to "thwart any attempt by malicious external actors to sabotage its foreign policy or dictate its course."
"We can only hope our US counterparts are equally steadfast," he added.
Netanyahu's comment came after a deadly explosion hit Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port, killing at least 46 people and injuring more than 1,000.
Some speculate that the explosion was linked to a shipment of a chemical ingredient used to make ballistic missile fuel, though Iran denies any sort of fuel was being stored in the container terminal.
Farzin Nadimi, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that the sharp orange color of the initial fire was consistent with burning sodium perchlorate, a component used in rocket fuel. Open-source data suggests Iran took shipments of the chemical at the port earlier this year.
According to various reports, the Donald Trump administration previously held Netanyahu back from launching strikes on Tehran's nuclear facilities. However, the US president has said he himself would be "leading the pack" toward war with Iran if he cannot clinch a deal.
Ali Shamkhani, a senior aide to Iran's supreme leader and former national security adviser, warned on April 28 that Israel would face "unimaginable consequences" if it attacked Iran's nuclear sites.
"The question is: Are these threats the result of Israel acting on its own, or are they coordinated with Trump to push forward negotiations with Iran?" he wrote on X.
- By Kian Sharifi
Has Trump Moved On From Dismantling Iran's Nuclear Program?
High-stakes nuclear talks between the United States and Iran have already entered the technical phase after just two rounds of negotiations mediated by Oman.
A third round of talks, along with separate technical discussions, is scheduled for April 26 in Muscat.
The progress has fueled speculation, particularly in Iran, that the administration of US President Donald Trump has dropped its demand for the dismantlement of Tehran's nuclear program in favor of simply capping it.
But analysts caution that it's far too early to draw such conclusions.
While the shift to technical discussions might suggest a softening of US demands, analysts say dismantlement could still be the underlying objective -- or at least a point of leverage.
"I never thought that dismantlement was a credible goal," said Richard Nephew, who served as the lead sanctions expert on the US team that clinched the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
"But if this is still in the Trump administration's heads, then the long-term perspective is still bleak."
He noted that technical negotiations also took place during the talks that eventually led to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), even when US demands remained maximalist.
Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), sees the current trajectory not as a concession but as strategic pressure.
"A Trump doctrine on Iran takes shape where it gives Iran a choice: Either you dismantle your nuclear program or the US and/or Israel will dismantle it for you," he said.
Is Iran Running Down The Clock?
Some, particularly proponents of dismantlement, argue that the Islamic republic is dragging out the negotiations to run down the clock on the return of UN sanctions.
Britain, France, and Germany have threatened to trigger the "snapback" mechanism of the JCPOA -- re-imposing UN sanctions against Tehran -- if it fails to reach a deal with the United States by the end of June. However, that mechanism expires in October.
Both analysts agree Iran sees value in prolonging the process to stall pressure, avoid snapback sanctions, or simply buy time.
"There is only a certain amount of pressure that comes to beat that clock, because even after snapback expires, you still have a hostile United States with its national sanctions campaign," Nephew said.
"Iran wants to clinch a decent deal, but they'll take wasted time -- and delayed military action -- as a consolation prize," he added.
Brodsky offered a sharper view, calling the negotiations "a shield" that Tehran uses to protect its nuclear work from further scrutiny or action.
"Iran only loses should the negotiations collapse," he said. "The United States, however, does not need the talks as much as Iran does."
What Would A Good Iran Deal Look Like?
Despite skepticism over whether dismantlement is still a realistic demand, analysts agree a deal that limits Iran's nuclear activities can still be credible, if it includes key safeguards.
"The JCPOA gives us a lot of advice here," said Nephew. "You'd need three things: verification of the cap, physical limitations so that they can't quickly exceed it, and a credible risk of consequences if they cheat."
He noted that while Iran is unlikely to scrap its advanced centrifuges again, as it did under the 2015 deal, "there is still space that a deal could be found."
Brodsky, however, is doubtful that any deal short of full dismantlement can truly prevent Iran from using its nuclear program as leverage.
He views even low-level enrichment -- such as the 3.67 percent limit under the JCPOA -- as a threat.
"Its right to enrich uranium to 3.67 percent under the JCPOA was part of [an] extortion racket," he said, referring to Iran teasing nuclear weapons acquisition.
"The continuation of this negotiation process leads some observers to believe the United States has conceded a right to enrich uranium to Iran," Brodsky said. "I believe the Trump administration is still defining the contours of what an acceptable deal would look like."
- By RFE/RL
Iran Foreign Minister Calls For Resumption Of Dialogue With E3
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi issued a public call for renewed diplomacy with the E3 -- France, Germany, and the UK -- amid mounting tensions and their exclusion from ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.
In a post on X on April 24, Araqchi acknowledged that relations with the E3 are “currently down,” describing the status quo as “lose-lose” for both sides.
He emphasized that “placing blame is a futile exercise” and instead urged a return to dialogue and cooperation, not only on nuclear issues but across all areas of mutual interest.
Araqchi offered to visit Paris, Berlin, and London for direct talks.
“The ball is now in the E3's court,” the Iranian foreign minister wrote, “how we act at this critical junction is likely to define the foreseeable future.”
The foreign minister’s outreach comes as the E3 have been sidelined from the latest round of nuclear negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman rather than European powers.
The E3 were key players in earlier efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, but this time they've been sidelined.
The E3 have threatened to trigger the re-imposition of UN sanctions on Iran if no agreement is reached with the United States by the end of June. The “snapback” of UN sanctions is a provision under the effectively defunct 2015 nuclear deal, which formally expires in October.
Iranian state media have welcomed the E3’s exclusion, with The Tehran Times even accusing them -- without evidence -- of backing UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi for secretary-general in exchange for helping to “demonize” Iran and justify a return to UN sanctions.
- By Kian Sharifi and
- RFE/RL's Radio Farda
After First Step, Optimism Grows As US, Iran Prepare For Next Meeting
Nuclear talks in Oman marked the first formal engagement between Iran and the United States in years, and though progress may have been slight, it was enough to signal a willingness to temper tensions through diplomacy rather than military action.
Iranian and US negotiators agreed on April 12 to continue their high-level talks over Tehran's nuclear program on April 19, with the venue likely moving to Europe from the Middle East.
Axios on April 13 cited sources as saying the second round would likely be in Rome, but there has been no official comment on the potential site.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late on April 13, US President Donald Trump said he had met with advisers and that "we'll be making a decision on Iran very quickly," without being specific.
Going into the high-stakes meeting in Oman, Washington had insisted the talks would be direct, while Tehran maintained otherwise.
In the end, there was a bit of both.
The talks were largely held indirectly, with Omani diplomats shuttling between rooms. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff briefly met at the conclusion of the talks.
"So, both sides came out with their basic requirements met," Gregory Brew, a senior Iran analyst at the New York-based Eurasia Group, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.
However, he warned against overanalyzing the outcomes of the meeting, adding, "It's still not entirely clear what was achieved beyond simply establishing a basis for further discussions."
Araqchi called the brief words he had with Witkoff "diplomatic courtesy." That was enough to bring a palpable optimism to the region, already on edge with the conflict in Gaza and a regime change in Syria.
Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, which was skeptical of the 2015 nuclear deal and hailed Trump for abrogating it in 2018, has welcomed the Oman talks. Bahrain and Qatar followed suit with their own statements of encouragement.
Tough Calls Necessary
Analysts say a deal on Iran's nuclear program is possible -- if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is willing to make difficult decisions.
Despite constitutionally holding ultimate authority over all state matters, Khamenei has developed a reputation for avoiding direct accountability.
"Khamenei still appears to be unwilling to take responsibility, as seen in his recent public comments in which he says he against talks and that negotiations can be held but he won't take responsibility for the outcomes," Fereshteh Pezeshk, an international relations analyst based in Washington, told Radio Farda.
Iran is in a precarious position. Its network of regional proxies is at its weakest, and its economy is reeling under US sanctions, with the cost of living rising and purchasing power declining.
"The domestic situation in Iran is also slightly increasing the odds of a deal," Pezeshk said.
Adding to the pressure are threats of military action from Trump if no agreement is reached. While Iranian officials publicly dismiss the possibility of war, analysts say Tehran takes the threat seriously.
The Road Ahead
Mehrzad Boroujerdi, a professor of political science at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, described the Oman meeting as "warm-up talks" during which critical topics were left untouched.
"They likely agreed on a timetable and general topics of discussion, but the important issues will come up in future talks," he told Radio Farda.
Boroujerdi added that both Tehran and Washington appeared to have "pulled back from their maximalist demands", paving the way for a workable deal.
The format of the next round of talks has not been disclosed, but critics of indirect negotiations argue that Washington must insist on direct engagement, citing previous failures of indirect diplomacy.
"The US should be making clear: if there are no direct, substantive talks in the next round, there will be no negotiation," Jason Brodsky, policy director at the nonprofit United Against Nuclear Iran, wrote on X. "This is how Tehran stalls and strings things out."
Another unresolved question is whether Trump seeks to curb Iran's nuclear program or dismantle it entirely. Tehran has firmly opposed shutting down its nuclear program but has repeatedly insisted it does not seek nuclear weapons and is willing to offer assurances.
Still, there seems to be a real willingness to strike a deal, and Iran arguably needs it more than the United States.
Reaching an agreement, however, depends on whether Iranian decision-makers "show wisdom and courage," Pezeshk said.
For now, both sides seem prepared to keep talking, but there is only so much time left.